Read Doug’s articles originally printed in The Jerusalem Post.
Profile Perspectives
Proper financial planning can change your relationship with money.
Who Should Set Financial Goals: You or Your Advisor?
Sometime clients ask me what their financial goals should be. I try to redirect them, saying, “Imagine you’re the captain of a ship, and your financial advisor is your first mate.” Then I salute them and say, “Captain, tell me our destination and I’ll work on navigating the waters.” Whether your goal is saving for retirement,… Read more
Crush Your Wealth Worries
Fear can paralyze us, especially when it comes to money. The fear of making a financial mistake—whether it’s saving too little for retirement, overspending on daily expenses, or choosing the wrong investment—often leads us to freeze and do nothing at all. While this hesitation may feel like a safe option in the moment,… Read more
How Successful Stocks Can Weaken Your Portfolio
Imagine a friend telling you his investment success story: he held a tech stock that skyrocketed, sold it, then paid to take his wife on their dream vacation. The allure of a single, successful stock can be irresistible. But before you put all your eggs in one basket, consider the risks that come with such a narrow focus. … Read more
Growth, Security, and Currency Risk: A Financial Playbook for Olim
When an American oleh met with me recently, he shared a concern I hear all the time: “How do I keep my U.S. investments safe in these unpredictable markets?” Like many olim, he wanted his portfolio to grow without being impacted by market movements…. Read more
How to Transfer Wealth… and Financial Wisdom
Inheritance planning often focuses on numbers—assets, accounts, and distributions. But a true legacy is about more than just wealth; it’s the values, knowledge, and responsibility that empower the next generation to carry it forward. Leaving a financial legacy means ensuring your family not only inherits assets but also the wisdom to manage them wisely. … Read more
Feeling Unsure About Your U.S. Investments?
Are you an American in Israel worrying about your U.S. investments? You’re not alone. A longtime client recently asked me a question I hear often: “Is my portfolio safe?” With the Fed sending mixed signals on interest rates and markets swinging wildly, even seasoned investors are rethinking their strategies.
Why Bonds May Not Be as “Safe” as You Think
My client and I discussed how changes in the Fed’s interest rates impact both stocks and bonds…. Read more
Money Fears Holding You Back? Steps to Financial Confidence
Feeling overwhelmed with your money? You’re not alone. Many people lie awake at night wondering, “Will my money last as long as I do?” It’s normal, especially if you’ve faced setbacks or feel unsure about where to start. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to stay stuck. A few practical steps can help you take charge of your money and your future. … Read more
The Cost of Keeping Financial Secrets
Parents often avoid talking finances with their adult children, especially when significant assets are involved. Yet holding back on these conversations can create confusion and even lead to conflict down the road. Recently, a client in her 70s shared her concern that her children knew little about her finances, leaving her worried about how they’d manage her legacy when she’s no longer there to guide them. … Read more
Facing the Asset Allocation Puzzle? Here’s How to Master It
For American olim in Israel, managing U.S. investments can feel overwhelming—like trying to finish a 1,000-piece puzzle. Between two countries and two currencies, it’s tough to figure out how your dollar investments fit with your shekel-based lifestyle. Are your assets set up to meet your long-term goals? Does your strategy balance growth with protection?… Read more
Is Your Favorite Stock Really Worth It?
Many investors feel attached to a single stock, convinced it’s the shining star of their portfolio. But is that emotional connection clouding your judgment and impacting your financial security?
Recently, I met with a couple in their late seventies who built an impressive life in Israel. Over the years, they made wise financial choices,… Read more